Adoption is a process in which children become full and permanent legal members of another family. Determining eligibility to adopt is based on a process of mutual assessment and preparation by the prospective adoptive parents and social worker or agency, called a home study. Most people are eligible to adopt, regardless of whether they are married or single, their age, income, or sexual orientation. Having a disability does not automatically disqualify a prospective adoptive parent. Some countries have specific requirements and restrictions for families who want to adopt from those countries. Faith-based agencies may also have specific requirements for families adopting through their agencies.
Adopting as a Single Parent
Series Title
Factsheets for Families
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Explores issues that are specifically relevant to single people considering adoption. The factsheet includes information about available adoption opportunities, including domestic adoption, intercountry adoption, and adopting from foster care. It also discusses the importance of having a support system and dispels the myth that being single impedes the adoption process.
Background Checks for Prospective Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Caregivers
Series Title
State Statutes
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Discusses the requirements set by States for conducting background checks of prospective foster and adoptive parents and other out-of-home caregivers, as well as any adults residing in the prospective caregivers' households. These checks, including State and Federal criminal records and child abuse and neglect central registries, are part of the process of assessing the suitability of these caregivers to provide a safe home for children placed in their care. The circumstances that will disqualify an applicant also are discussed. An overview of Federal requirements also is provided. Summaries of laws for all States and U.S. territories are included.
State Adoption and Foster Care Information
AdoptUsKids
Provides State-by-State information about foster parenting and adoption.
Who Can Adopt?
U.S. State Department, Bureau of Consular Affairs
Provides national, State, and foreign requirements for intercountry adoption.
Who May Adopt, Be Adopted, or Place a Child for Adoption?
Series Title
State Statutes
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Summarizes State laws regarding eligibility for becoming an adoptive parent (in terms of marital status, age, residency, and more), eligibility for being adopted as a child or adult, and authority to place a child for adoption.
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